When They Called My Name: An Unforgettable Moment
Let me tell you about a life-changing moment.
Last fall in New York City, I was sitting in good company. Misty Copeland, awe-inspiring ballet dancer, was to my left. All around me sat the incredible group of teens I’d come to know and love — Daishanay, Dalilah, Abby, Isabel and Xavier. We stared into each other’s eyes, anticipating the announcement of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.
(As a Boys & Girls Club kid, there’s no higher honor. It’s a really big deal! Teen spokesperson for the organization/college scholarship/receive a Toyota Corolla/walk the game ball to the mound at the World Series big deal.)
Collectively, we all knew that no matter whose name was called, the entire table was going to jump up in cheers. I also knew that — no matter what — I was going to celebrate that night in New York with a bagel and “Gilmore Girls!”
The second I heard my name, I wanted to burst into tears. I was getting the opportunity to represent millions of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs, the special place I hold dear in my heart for caring for me. In front of me, I saw my new friends full of joy. I could hear my Boys & Girls Club mentor and CEO, Tricia and Dalinda, shouting with excitement, “Yesss! Alejandra!”
Despite how many times I had doubted myself, I had a huge family rooting for me.
That night and ever since, I have been full of gratitude. I have taken every speaking opportunity (I never imagined speaking in front of 3,000 people!), feeling confident to share my story and show my pride as a Hispanic, first-generation college student and a Boys & Girls Club kid.
Going to college at The University of Texas at Austin, I have joined business and Hispanic organizations and grown my love of learning. I’m pretty dedicated, spending my days glued to textbooks, only stepping away to have fun cycling or going for a run.
This year, a whole new group of teens will sit at a table like I did. I hope you are lucky enough to be in the room for their life-changing moment. I promise you these Boys & Girls Club teens will give you lots of hope for the future – they are going to achieve big things.
Before I pass the baton to the next National Youth of the Year this fall, be sure to check out my journey. Thank you for believing in me and in the potential of all young people.
Alejandra L.
Freshman at UT Austin, Community Engagement Advocate, Avid Runner
2023 National Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
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